Incisional Hernia

Indication:

An incisional hernia is a weakness in the lining of the abdominal wall that develops in the scar of a previous operation. This can be a small defect or involve a longer portion of the old operation.
Incisional hernias tend to increase in size over time and the larger they become the more difficult they are to repair.
There is a risk of bowel becoming trapped or twisted within the hernial sac which can lead to obstruction and impairment of the blood supply to the bowel. This requires an emergency procedure to try and salvage the bowel and avoid a life-threatening condition.

Procedure:

The surgeon will make an incision at the hernia site and move tissue, intestines and any other organs that are involved in forming the hernia back into the abdominal cavity. A synthetic material patch is inserted in weakness to reinforce the spot where the hernia developed. This patch is secured to the tissue surrounding the hernia.

Possible complications:

Bowel injury may occur if bowel needs to be released from adhesions. Adhesions form after previous surgery and make the operation technically challenging.
Wound infection may develop. If a wound infection does develop this can require prolonged wound dressings, and sometimes removal of any synthetic mesh used to repair the hernia.
Delayed return of bowel function particularly if extensive adhesiolysis is performed.
Recurrence of the hernia, even if a mesh repair is performed.
Seroma formation. This is a collection of fluid between the muscle repair and the skin that may need aspirating in the rooms on one or more occasions.
Other complications include Deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary emboli, atelectasis, and pneumonia.

Duration:

Dependent on the size and complexity of the hernia.